Deborah Shore founded Sasha Bruce Youthwork in 1974 as the Washington Streetwork Project. With a small staff and a few volunteers, Shore counseled homeless youth and out-of-town runaways in the Georgetown and Dupont neighborhoods of Washington, DC, where they congregated.

In 1976, Shore and the Washington Streetwork Project came to the attention of Evangeline Bruce, wife of Ambassador David Bruce, following the tragic death of their daughter Sasha. Evangeline Bruce donated funds to start a youth shelter in memory of Sasha, and Shore opened the Sasha Bruce House in 1977, Washington DC’s premiere 24 hour homeless youth shelter.

Presently, Sasha Bruce Youthwork is one of the largest and most experienced providers of services to youth in Washington, DC. Sasha Bruce helps young people find safe homes, achieve and maintain good physical and mental health, create and strengthen supportive and stable families, and explore opportunities in education and careers.